St. Clair Shores considers $5 rat bounty

ST. CLAIR SHORES (AP) -- St. Clair Shores is considering offering a $5 bounty for every rat caught in the city as part of a broader rodent-control effort.

The Detroit Free Press reports the idea is part of a multipronged proposal to deal with rats in St. Clair Shores, which is among a number of communities facing rodent problems. Officials earlier had an aggressive pilot program taking place to help curb the rat population.

City Manager Mike Smith says the proposed bounty is aimed at collecting data to help the battle against rats. The idea was presented last month to City Council. Smith says officials are taking feedback from residents and City Council could take up the issue in March.

The proposed rat-control program also could include inspections, baiting and updated garbage cans.